After a spell of brown and grey the sun shone this past week making things appear somewhat greener.
Last year..this time of year..I followed Chris and Scott's great tips about buying grocery basil and starting plantings inside.
I am following their lead again now..
This year I thought ..:"use your small San Pellegrinos..that you have been saving.."~:)
Done..
They actually look pretty on the kitchen counter catching the light..
Soon I'll start the Dahlias in trays.
To cover the tree stump we are going to put a raised bed for herbs and a few vegetables.
The last thing I need is another garden..but a stump is hard to look at.
I need to fill in spots ..we shovel pruned older roses that were just not happy here anymore..
The nurseries will be seeing me.
We had pasta w/ my sauce and Chris's meatballs..with modifications..
That crust is my go to now..
PERFECT.
I made a new quinoa salad..
I had Pinned the recipe but then made changes..
The BBQ pizza requires a bit of pre cooked bacon..so I browned the quinoa in a tbsp of the drippings..:)
All 4 boys..have started Football close by..Oli and Noah are at the same level..beginners..then Max is at another level..and Lucas is at an older level.
We went to the first pratice..the families..if the boys enjoy it..will be there from 9-1..
It was lovely but brisk!
No uniforms yet..they are to follow..
A $3000.00 lens would be lovely to zoom in..
Any recommendations for a good not $$ zoom lens..for a Canon?
Longest zoom I have is 55-250mm..the reason I know is that it came with the camera ap 7 years ago..and it is written on the lens.
I am not even certain I won't look into a full frame camera one day..I don't even know what I just said you know..
I know nothing about cameras ...same as football.
Anyways..
It was fun to watch..the one I caught doing the warm up was Max..the smaller ones were not really doing anything..and the older one had not started:)
Frédérick came back from that first workout assistant coach of Lucas' team..
Max put his ♥ into it.Push ups..burpees..OY.
He'll be 8 in exactly so many days..he can tell you..and he is the shark lover.
Seems like that big board may be a usual fixture in our line of vision for a while..
OK probably..(no..truly..) the least pretty pic I have ever posted of our gardens..me amongst my garlic:)
Yes because that is how I felt this w/e..primping practically nothing..but w/ such anticipation and the sun in my face..:)
Watching my garlic grow...
That bratty little Clematis vine kept popping back into the photo:)
♥
La Recette~
Adapted and modified..found here.
1 cup of quinoa..prepared as you like..I sautéed my quinoa in 1 tbsp bacon drippings..
I add 2 cups of broth..and simmer for ap 15 minutes..until all the liquid is absorbed..leave to rest..fluff with fork..you will kmow when it is cooked little tendrils seem to appear and no water is left..
When cool..place in a large bowl..add 1 cup rinsed drained chick peas
Chop up some kale
Grate 1 carrot
Finely chop some peppers
Parsley
Pumpkin seeds as garnish..
The dressing is simple..
The juice of 1/2 a large lemon
some zest to taste
ap 3 tbsps olive oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp grainy Dijon mustard
Salt and Pepper to taste.
Whisk all together and mix into the salad.
Top w/ Pumpkin Seeds.
Makes a lot..I like it for lunch~
Glorious green and you capture it in it's liveliness and intensity! Max's intensity matches that of the green! Very sweet! Here, the landscape is returning to green, but not at all intense or abundant yet...
ReplyDeleteSoon Rita..soon..we worked all afternoon outside..feeling the optimism:)
DeleteThe basil in Pellegrino bottles do catch the light beautifully. Looks like you will be learning more about football! Love the photos of exercise on the playing field.
ReplyDeleteWait till they have mini uniforms♥
DeleteNot The Hamptons..though!
oh yes, the uniforms!!!
DeleteThe basil looks magical, all bathed in green light. The pasta and meatballs look scrumptious!
ReplyDeleteThank you:)
DeleteYour beautiful green oozes with your enthusiasm to get out into the garden. Love your hessian garden helper. Your grandson seems ready to get fit so he will be chosen to play for his team. As grandparents we've been supporters of handball, football, & rugby. Which I knew nothing about the rules, and like you am lost on the technical side of cameras, I need to stay with a good all round aim & shoot. So good luck with zoom lenses. I'm popping over to your link to find out about the Basil tips. Enjoy your gardening.be it veggies or flowers.
ReplyDeleteThe same here Barbara..we've been to baseball practices..soccer..etc..fun to watch..maybe one thing will stick..I think it's great they are outside DOING..The basil is fun to start..the plants end up being very nice outside..getting bigger and bigger once we transplant rooted into pots..It's an easy little growm..and pretty!
DeleteC'est bien aussi, le vert, chez toi ! ;o) Ah, et ce quinoa revenu dans des bacon drippings ! Je vais l'essayer, cette salade ... Je laisserai quant à moi le terrain de foot à ces jeunes gens ... Ce n'est plus de mon âge ! ;o)))
ReplyDeleteBisous et bonne semaine, Monique
Hélène
Toi aussi :)
DeleteTu sais..en les regardant sur le terrain..il n'y a qu'eux....les grands-parents! Comme ta maman.
Tu peux rajouter un peu d'huile..le lendemain..
Ce basilic est impressionnant et pousse si bien ! Je vais aller voir de quelle astuce il s'agit.
ReplyDeleteLes boutures enjolivent n'importe quelle fenestration:)
DeleteLove green!!!!....happy sunny week Darling love Ria...x!
ReplyDeleteYou too..Happy Spring!
DeleteThe green jumped off of the screen!
ReplyDeleteI have beautiful basil from a local grower and will propogate some. Love Chris and Scott's website ;o)
Great pics on the ball field! You are doing what my momma did ;o) Never missed one of her grandson's games.
I think pasta and meatballs will be going on the menu soon.
Have a good week!
We love it Debbie..I have my camera around my neck and of course the 4 are al we see:)
DeleteTypical of grand parents..
So informative their beautiful site..:)
Oh, Spring has sprung! For some reason all the links go back to the shortbread cookies - I would love to know more about propagating storebought basil, if you have a minute. Happy cloudy Marathon Monday!
ReplyDeleteFixed the link:)
Deletehttp://thecafesucrefarine.com/2015/04/how-to-propagate-basil-from-cuttings/
I will go tell you at your house;)
Our boys played soccer when they were the age of your little ones. I miss all those practices and games!! I take one of those lovely bottles to bed each night but never thought about saving them for holding window herbs. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
Love your basil in the green bottles. The quinoa salad is a great idea. I may make it this week as hubby is traveling and I am cooking for one. All of your photos are works of art Monique. Would love to try the pizza too but the link seems to be broken. Maybe it's just me. So glad your Spring is finely here. The boys must be enjoying being out on the field.
ReplyDeleteI am going to check right now..because that pizza method is keeper..although I think you have a pizza built in oven?
Deletehttp://www.willcookforfriends.com/2014/01/barbecue-chicken-pizza-with-homemade-sweet-baby-rays-sauce.html
That is the exact recipe I follow.. except I make 1/2 the dough recipe and in the machine..This makes 2 good sized pizzas ..you have to of course stretch and shape the dough..
Jacques used to make the pizzas..now he won't..he likes this one..and since I found it and made it..he thinks I should continue:)
I love all kinds of quinoa salads..I gave some to my daughter..the next day you need to moisten it a bit w/ olive oil..
Quinoa keeps imbibing:)
Isn't it nice to be out in the garden? I love your basil propagation and in such cute bottles! Do they go in the ground or in pots? I gave up my veggie garden because I could not keep up with that and flower beds. I have wanted to dig up some roses for years now but have so much growing around them I have not had the nerve. How cute to see Max doing his work out. Your football is what we call soccer no? I too would be lost with the sports and the camera terms. Write Arlene, she will help you with recommendations.
ReplyDeleteHi Terry..when the basil has roots..I pot in earth outside..I hear you re more beds..but I cannot bear seeing that humongous stump so close to our deck..it's just not pretty at all..hopefully it will be hidden somewhat in the raised bed..hope hope hope.
DeleteI won't be growing difficult things..maybe some colorful swiss chard..herbs..etc..
the boys play soccer..the ball is round..and they kick w/ their feet..
Football the ball is oblong and involves all kinds of things that look qite dangerous to me..but ...
I just had a few emails with A..I love her ukelele.
Now that is Joie De Vivre!
I thought that was what the boys were playing. I know football seems so dangerous. Arleen's video's are the best. Always put a smile on your face no matter what. If the raised bed project doesn't work you can get someone to grind the stump and you can then reseed with lawn or plant a new tree! We had a stump ground one year and it worked out well.
DeleteWe had one done in front many many years ago..it worked out well..still a bit of a bump..and when there is a drought it is the first place the grass dies..I suggested that to J..don't know why he opted for the raised bed..
DeleteHe has put a hold on building things..deservedly so..he has built so much all our 42 years together..we ordered this kit from Costco..hope it works out.
Loved her video..put a smile on my face..so so genuine that girl.
Thanks Terry re the suggestion..To me..sounded good..
Green! We knew it would happen - it was just a matter of time and a few warmish days :) We were just talking about how L & L's grandparents would come and watch all of their games, concerts, etc., and we said we will do the same when Mack and Dane start playing some sport in school. Max is such a trooper :) I wish I could help with a zoom lens but all I know is Nikon. Full Frame? I know nothing about that either - other than I would have to buy all new lenses so highly doubtful. We have been so busy outside too. I've been pulling out creeping charlie and mint. I foolishly planted a mint in the front garden years ago and now it wants to take over the world :( I can't get to the web page with the BBQ chicken pizza and crust either.? Sounds delicious as does the quinoa salad. Never thought I'd like it but I do - very much. I love starting basil cutting from store basil but I prefer setting seedlings out in the garden so they don't become woody so quickly. I have seeds started already :) Parsley too and got my dahlias in trays just this past week. One spare bedroom has become a nursery for plants :)
ReplyDeleteI guess I had better start my dahlias..love how you keep me going;)
DeleteTry this link
http://www.willcookforfriends.com/2014/01/barbecue-chicken-pizza-with-homemade-sweet-baby-rays-sauce.html
And I just changed it above..I have posted about it before..t is so darn delicious..I make 1/2 the dough recipe in the machine..it makes 2 good sized pizzas we each get one..you have to stretch the dough..but of course you knew that..you can roll it out too..but I like stretched.
Remember? J used to make the pizzas?
not anymore since I started w/ this one..
My lawn is turning into Charlie.
I have so many invasives here..that's what happens after a number of years..mint too.Guilty.. as charged.
OK well that answers my question..no full frame..if I need new lenses..I just read that you get so much MORE picture in full frame..But ixnay on the new lenses:) TY.
The basil in the green bottles looks so pretty! And the meatballs...yummy!
ReplyDeleteAnything growing right Jenni?
DeleteSo pretty after a winter...
Your pretty green bottle are perfect for your basil starts, Monique. You reminded me of the hundreds of hours I spent at the soccer field watching my little guy's practices and Saturday games. Very good memories.
ReplyDeleteI know..the girls did soccer..must admit they never excelled ..lol:)
DeleteNor did I..
Fun to watch as a grandparent..everything they do we think is so cute;)
Looks like the snow has melted and gardening set to begin. My you have a lot of work and play ahead of you. With four grandsons, I think you must spend much time at their activities. Your pictures are always so pretty and I am glad that someone else saves things like your bottles, in hopes of using them in the future. Sometimes I feel guilty with so much saved things around.
ReplyDeleteI saved those..years ago! (the thought of moving actually scares me..)..When we moved here.. 14 yrs ago..we parted with all the stuff we didn't need.. but then we had grandchildren..and more stuff came..and I left work,,and took up more hobbies..and stuff..
DeleteI would rather finish my days here God willing..with Jacques..and my kids close..Not asking for much am I?
Don't feel guilty..Donna..Jacques is the same way..
Love your topiaries!
Love all your photos. I have made many of Chris' recipes - all delicious. I am not sure when strawberry season is for you, but be sure to make her freezer jam. If I had the room I would fill a freezer with nothing but her jam - so easy and fresh. I have become a jam snob. :)
ReplyDeleteI have made freezer jam..not hers..but now I WILL:) With a recoomendation like that..how can I not?:)
DeleteThanks Madonna..!
Hi Monique!
ReplyDeleteI never knew that about Basil.....so good to know!
I bought a potted one when I returned from Florida.....still going strong!
Ne t one I buy, I will do the rooting trick!
Your spaghetti looks heavenly....
Max looks like a pro already....
Enjoy your week!
Cheers!
Linda :o)
These Littles of ours...love..
Deletewhen we visit Fl..we buy a basil plant there..it thrives..the ones in our grocery stores are very weak..I am actually lucky they root.
Lucas even told me they were pretty today..
So sweet.
Oh yes....I buy one in Florida too!
DeleteI always leave it behind for the next guest!
They do look very pretty!
Me too..I bring it to those who stay beyond our stay:)
DeleteI'm rooting basil in my kitchen window too! Your photos are amazing and everything looks perfectly wonderful!
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed for strong roots..to grow..and wings to fly;)
DeleteThank you!
You make basil look so elegant and sophisticated!
ReplyDeleteHow fun to start the sports. We went to our 8 year olds first baseball game and he did well! I think he has three games this week and his daddy invited us - can't go to everyone - way too many!!
You always have such yummy things cooking!
I can just imagine your basil..:) You must have 7 cute pots;)Thank you Jacqueline
DeleteI love your this and that kind of posts Monique. SO much to love here. The rooting basil. I did not know you could do that. I must buy some and try it now! The plants coming up in your garden. The boys practicing for football season on that green pitch. It's all good. I think children and sports are a good mix. I would rather see children outside playing and doing then inside sitting in front of a computer game. Your photos are just perfect now. xoxo
ReplyDeleteIt's just that I would like to zooooom in:)
DeleteTheir faces say it all I find..Yes start the basil now Marie..perfect for your beautiful gardens!
Thanks for reminding me to start some basil!!!
ReplyDeleteWe need our little reminders..I added the vacuum packed basil to a sauce this week thanks to you~
DeleteYour green bottles look awesome with the basil. How perfectly colorful and unique. It is gardening time here. We planted some veggies already. I just got back from visiting my children, grandchildren plus more, so I need to get a post out soon. We have also been dealing with our older dog, Sasha. She has been having a difficult time lately. Thanks for the inspiration and sunshine in your post.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your posts Linda:)
DeleteOur daughter lost her doggie..Kali while she was in Florida w/ her Noah..they were heartbroken..
But they are awaiting the arrival of Grizzly..end of May..the cutest thing..a Morkie?
I am happy they decided for another doggie ♥
You have way more sunshine than I do:)
The salad looks so delightful-)) I am craving this kind of food all the time. Basil looks so fresh! Thank you for sharing-))
ReplyDeleteMy basil..seems to be having a problemm:(
DeleteLast year no such thing..
I found it looked ..fresh..new..green..but weak..:(
Fingers crossed!
Isn't green the most anticipated and loved color during the spring. We had two inches of rain that has really started to turn the grass from brown to green. The quinoa salad sounds very good and is so colorful. Some of your nice olive bread be great with it.
ReplyDeleteI think I will make that bead tomorrow..lasagna is in the forecast..:)
DeleteMax was working hard!! So cute! The long lens for sport photography are $$$$, according to the guys who taught our camera class. =( Get close. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh, that basil is so beautiful in your water bottles! Looks like an arrangement from the florist AND you are starting your basil. LOVE it! My mouth is watering,,, blessings and hugs ~ tanna
ps sun in your face watching your garlic/garden grow is wonderful!! ;)
:) !
DeleteI have a green kitchen, because it makes me happy. Really, it is the same color as the bottles! The quinoa salad is fabulous and I hope spring comes soon. I'm also finding it hard to believe that you don't know much about photography!
ReplyDeleteGreen is a color I have always favored Abbe:)
DeleteTrue true about photography!
This post is so pretty showing off the shades of greens... So bright and pretty :D It has been red, yellow and brown at our ends in Australia. We are simply opposite :p
ReplyDeleteYou would have smiled at me yesterday..we were at our favorite asian market and I looked everywhere for Karamel Makasan..(sp?) when they didn't have it..I even asked a clerk..so nice he loked for a photo on his Iphone..they didn't have..I never looked for maltose..
DeleteI'll keep looking there are others:)
But I can buy already made Char-Sui sauce..:)
I love basil and to grow it in the kitchen, I'm excited. Tomorrow I'm off to Trader Joe's to buy a basil plant and to start a mini greenhouse in the window. Max is such a cutie, I'd be at every game cheering him on. Love your scarecrow guarding your garlic too!
ReplyDeleteI just just saw your new post..you will think it's uncanny!
Delete